The benefits and disadvantages of a multimodal approach in English writing tasks: A Research Synthesis

Abstract: My experience from teacher practice is that multimodal writing tasks are less used in language education compared to traditional writing tasks. The purpose of this research synthesis is to explore the benefits, and disadvantages of a multimodal approach in English writing tasks, with the target group of elementary school students. My study includes examples of how multimodal writing can promote ESL (English as a second language) students ́ communication skills, and how it may create motivation for writing. It also includes possible reasons for why teachers may choose to not use a multimodal approach in language education. My findings show that multimodal writing has several benefits in supporting the writing process, and that it can be used to promote motivation for writing. However, it also shows possible problems with the assessment process of multimodal projects, and how this is connected to the Swedish syllabus for English education.